gardening society at john lewis

Over the bank holiday weekend The American and I had some last minute shopping to do before heading off to Rhodes. Our destination was John Lewis on Oxford Street, naturally, and having picked up the swimmers and Greek-appropriate footwear we headed up to the roof top where JL have just launched their new summer attraction, the roof terrace. 

This was such a lovely surprise on a wet and windy bank holiday and I think it might become one of my very favourite summer spots. Nestled high above a bustling Oxford Street is a haven of calm, with beautiful planting, fresh herbs and what one can only assume to be excellent views on a brighter day. 

The garden will also hold host to a number of pop ups throughout the summer season, I shall be heading back from 28th June- 31st July for some of Bob's Lobster and am sure I'll be tempted by some fragrant cocktails, all made using herbs from the garden. If you're feeling extra keen and full of life perhaps the Buddha yoga from 7.30 in the mornings will be your thing? I'd like to think I'd try it but early mornings are not my friend. 

Regardless, this is certainly a place that's worth a visit, even if it's just for the view and a cheeky beverage. 

I'm currently sitting in Gatwick and it's just before 4.30am. Whoever thought early flights were a good idea can think again. 

Until our return! 

L. 

p.s apologies for the format of this post, Blogger is having a headache at this time of day. 

may moments

On Friday night The American and I headed west for a weekend at home. The sun was still blazing allowing us to look out onto the Cotswolds before the sun dipped behind their hills. We arrived to cups of tea in the kitchen and excited conversations with my Mum and Dad before Mum decided she’d had a long enough day already. Quite frankly I had too having been up at the crack of dawn for a photoshoot here so headed to bed ready to start the weekend with a fresh face.

May is my favourite month for a number of reasons; the country side is that wonderful fresh, citrus green colour, the air is warm with a delightful cool breeze and it’s my birthday. Our weekend was spent walking the dogs, exploring the beautiful bluebell wood and enjoying early birthday celebrations. We also hopped over to Herefordshire and ate at the gloriously named The Bunch of Carrots; a charming country pub set in the rolling hills.

I realise I’ve written about the bluebells before but I just can’t get over how beautiful they are, it stuns me every time. So here are some more snaps; a little taster of our quiet weekend in the gloriously sunny Worcestershire countryside.

Tomorrow I turn 24 (a mad thought, even more terrifying to my parents) and will be celebrating with some friends at Three Six Six on St. John’s Hill. I’ve never been before but have high hopes for its cocktail list. The American and I are off to Rhodes at the beginning of June and can’t wait.

Must hit the gym. 

L.

british library

It's a funny thing how you take for granted all the amazing things surrounding you when you live in a place like London. There is still a very long list of places I need to visit and, rather secretively, I hope it never runs out. One such place is Camden. Living south west has rather meant I never venture to the north of the city but today we decided to make the slightly longer journey and take a trip to The British Library. 

I don't think I've stepped foot in a proper library since finishing my degree. It's funny how walking into a place that lives and breathes academia really makes you think wistfully about the past. The little rows of tables, directions to different subject sections and even the signs for the printer had me thinking sweetly about my days spent at York.

(The gang, not in the library) 

But The British Library is really something else - The King's Library acts as a central column to the building, with its beautifully bound tomes set safely behind glass. The atrium casts a wonderful light across the building and even on a wet day like today it felt inspiring. 

Originally our plan was to visit the Alice exhibition before it finishes tomorrow but rather unfortunately it was so crowded and small we decided otherwise. Instead we took the opportunity to see the Treasures of the British Library, a haven of historical documents, including original musical scores, letters from Churchill and a little thing called the Magna Carta. We spent a happy hour reading and looking at beautiful illuminated manuscripts - just what was needed after a tiring week and a wet Saturday morning. Sorry for the lack of snaps, cameras are banned here due to the need for sensitive lighting. 

I actually can't recommend a better way to spend a quiet weekend, perhaps swap your brunch of over-rated avocado toast for a morning of culture? Next up on my list of London discoveries is Billingsgate Market, as recommended by Sarah, though that might wait for a brighter morning as it's a very early start! 

Tomorrow I'm off to the Putney Art and Antiques Market and then I'll be in St. Albans from Thursday so fingers crossed for some more posts! 

Happy Sunday!

L.

fresh & springy lemon drizzle

It's the Easter weekend which means an extra few days off work, time with loved ones and eating delicious food. I am still in London as I was told there was no room at the farm this year but The American and I are perfectly happy to make our own Easter feast in SW18. We are roasting two little poussin and serving with roasted potatoes and tender stem broccoli. For afters will be devouring a lemon drizzle cake with greek yoghurt. Seeing as the recipe is so simple I thought I'd share it with you. 

You will need:

For the batter: 
3 eggs
Zest of 2 lemons
170g caster sugar
170g self raising flour
170g unsalted butter

For the icing:
Juice of the two tested lemons
Icing sugar

Cream your batter mixture together until pale yellow in colour and smooth in texture. I like to fold in my flour and zest rather than use the mixer but this is entirely up to you. If you are particularly fond of lemon add a few drops of lemon juice as well. Or, be adventurous and add poppy seeds to the batter for a crunchier version of the classic.

You will need to pre heat your over to 180 degrees. Line a loaf tin with greaseproof paper and pour your batter in. Pop the cake in the oven for 35 minutes. Cooking time with depend on your oven so bring the loaf out after 30 minutes and pop a skewer in. If it pulls out wet give it another 5 or so minutes. Whilst your cake is baking mix up your icing. Lemon juice and icing sugar, it couldn't be easier. 

Once cooked pierce with your skewer all the way to the bottom and all over. Let your cake cool a little (I find the icing slides off if the cake is too warm, rather than melt inside) and then pour your lemony syrup all over. Leave to cool and then slid out of your tin. 

Serve with crème fraîche, greek yoghurt or simply with a cup of tea. It's a bite of fresh, springy flavours. 

What are you cooking for Easter? Are you trying anything new?

Have a lovely weekend!



L.  

the affordable art fair - battersea

The sun is out and spring has arrived so this means I'm back on the blogging front! Winter is turning into spring and London is full of exciting things to eat, drink and discover. This weekend Josie and I headed the short distance to Battersea to visit The Affordable Art Fair.

I've never been before but have always fancied it and it certainly did not disappoint. The American and I are constantly looking out for final pieces for our home so I thought perhaps this would be a great opportunity to get a painting for the blank wall in our sitting room. 

The marquee in the heart of Battersea Park was bursting with amazing original artwork, witty prints and some slightly surreal installations and sculptures. Josie and I wandered up and down the aisles, flicking through prints, discovering new artists we're now keen to pursue and even bumped in Hugh Dennis (this actually happened and it was so great). 

The art fair is sponsored by the delectable Sip Smith gin so we stopped for a half time refresher on the upper deck. This is the best place to get a photo opportunity as photography isn't allowed on the ground (such a shame as there were so many pieces I wanted to share with you/remember for myself). 

Prices start from £100 and though this is affordable all the art I liked was around the £1500 mark. Not so affordable, just yet. Still, Jo and I took details of artists and will aspire to buy some original artwork soon. The AAF is still open today so if you're at a lose end, head south west and see what takes your fancy. 

The fair also gave me the itchy feeling for taking up painting again. I've been playing around with water colours over the last few months but I'm thinking about moving over to acrylic or oil again. I'll keep you posted with my efforts! 

The weather looks to be fine this week so I'll will be making the most of it! The American and I are going to sort out our terrace next weekend so look out for snaps of happy flowers over on my Instagram. 

Happy Sunday! 

L. 

painting the modern garden: monet to matisse

On Wednesday afternoon I hotfooted it to The Royal Academy to see their spring exhibition, Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse and my goodness, should everyone go. As a lover of art and gardens this was an extravaganza for my eyes. Bathed in light and amongst a haze of greenery the exhibition seeks to provide its visitor with a deeper understanding of how gardens served as a universal, multifaceted source of inspiration for artists of the modern era. It is a wonderful dedication to the pastoral nature of keeping a garden and using it as the root to a creative vision; I really couldn't recommend it any more. 

Rather than give you a vaguely academic reading of the exhibition, I'll just keep it short and sweet and say you absolutely must go and see it. Even if you're not a huge art fan, lover of the Impressionists or prefer your art appreciation to be of a spontaneous nature, I don't care. This exhibition is worth planning a visit for. Come from far and wide, you'll not see another thing like it I can assure you. Do expect crowds and lots of people your granny's age so choose your time carefully and be prepared to keep calm and carry on. 

The exhibition is plotted like a garden itself and wends its way throughout the years, encompassing avant garde compositions, 18th century seed catalogues, Monet's water lilies and the fashion for artist colonies across Europe. However, it is the breath-takingly beautiful climax of Monet's huge panoramic view of water lilies in the final space which will completely blow you away. Composed of three huge panels, the water lilies are some of the artist's finest works. You will need at least 20 minutes here to take everything in. It is quite unbelievable when you realise Monet's sight was failing him during the later part of his life. 

Now, photos are not allowed, however room attendants don't seem to be in this final space so everyone was snapping away so rather sheepishly I shot from the hip too. 'Scuse the quality, was feeling v. rebellious/anxious. 

The exhibition runs 'til 20th April meaning you have no excuse not to visit. I promise it won't disappoint; I'm even considering going back again as there was just so much to see. 

I hope you haven't blown away this weekend, The American and I have been in St. Albans and spent much of the time eating, drinking and watching films to hide from the weather. We're now back in SW18 getting ready for the week ahead. Weekends never seem long enough, do they? 

L. 

northend road market

In between the gusts of wind and misty showers, we managed to head out to our favourite London market. It's not much of a looker but my goodness is it good. Located on the Northend Road in Fulham is a proper Landaan market, with barrow boys hollering out to punters and old carts parked up on the side roads. Having lived just a stones throw away from here last year, I learnt the best places to visit, so even now when we live south of the river, we know where to get the freshest of produce. 

Our main reason to skip over to SW6 was to stock up on fish. One of my best discoveries since moving to London was a fish shop on the Northend Road. Depending on month and what's in season, you can get some fantastic bargains. Just before Christmas I bought a whole salmon, filleted in front of me, for £10 - a supermarket will never do such a great deal. This time I wanted sea bass and luckily for me the deal was five for £11. Again, I got them filleted and have since frozen them in perfect portion sizes; we will happily eat delicious fish for the next month or so. I find sea bass is best when simply done; seasoned with salt, pepper and lemon, pan fried and served with new potatoes and steamed asparagus. 

We also picked up some delicious vine tomatoes, sweet plums, ginormous avocados (three for a pound) and courgettes. I resisted buying fresh herbs and clementines but next time I'll certainly get some. I'll also keep an eye out for forced rhubarb as that's just come into season. The market runs from Monday - Saturday. Either get there early for the freshest produce or later for some real bargains, and preferably in the sun as there is nothing worse than queueing for your vegetables in the rain.

This week I'm looking to cook my easy Mediterranean Chicken with the vine tomatoes, pan fried sea bass and a courgetti dish (The American bought me a spiraliser for Christmas so I'm experimenting with different recipes and vegetables).

I can't believe it's February on Monday, time is flying by! Spring is on the horizon, hurrah! 

^^ these are the narcissi I bought earlier in the month! They are bring me so much joy! 



L. 

P.S. I went to Sexy Fish this week and it really is as good as the hype (I'm definitely very biased about it as I work for the interior designer but, MY GOD). I couldn't recommend a better place for a birthday night or fancy date so go, go, go! I also went to an incredible Moroccan restaurant in Wandsworth Town on Wednesday called Doukan. It's the perfect place to go with girlfriends or a hungry boy who loves lots of different plates of food - I really can't stop talking about it!